Arne Slot is teetering on the brink of losing his job at Liverpool after falling to another humiliating defeat.
The Reds were comfortably beaten by PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday to make it nine defeats in their past 12 matches.
Once again, the manner of the defeat suggested that Liverpool players may have given up on Slot, with a thoroughly apathetic display handing them exactly what they deserved.
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Should Liverpool sack Arne Slot?
Arne Slot following Liverpool v Nottingham Forest - Premier League
Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Liverpool do not historically like to sack managers if they can at all help it, but there becomes a point where things become untenable. That point may have been reached.
It would seem out of character, perhaps, but the Liverpool owners could make the decision to relieve Slot of his duties before Sunday’s trip to face West Ham United. If they do wield the axe on the Dutchman, they will need to quickly find an alternative for the weekend.
Arne Slot reacts during Liverpool's UEFA Champions League match against PSV Eindhoven at Anfield.
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
Rob Page would likely lead Liverpool if Arne Slot is sacked
Sacking a manager is always a last resort for any football club. It can disrupt and imbalance a whole season.
An under-appreciated part of that is that a whole coaching staff often has to be replaced while fixtures continue to be played.
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READ MORE: Arne Slot reveals how he is feeling about keeping his job at Liverpool after another embarrassing defeat
In Liverpool’s case, it feels likely that having arrived with Slot, the likes of Sipke Hulshoff and Aaron Briggs would leave with him, too. Second assistant Giovanni van Bronckhorst would surely be gone as well.
While the Reds would obviously be working on installing a new team along with Slot’s replacement, having one for Sunday’s game would be difficult. An internal solution would have to be found.
Arne Slot says he is not worried about losing his job at Liverpool
“No, I am not worried. My focus is on other things than worrying about my own position. I need to do better.”
Arne Slot on whether he’s worried about the sack
Luckily for Liverpool, they do have a former manager of some repute at the club already. Rob Page was hired to coach the U21s over the summer, and would feel like the best bet to take temporary charge.
Page managed Wales for four years, leaving in 2024, and although he would clearly not be in the running to take over permanently, could be trusted to steer the ship for a game or two.
Are there any other candidates?
There is a chance that someone like Briggs may stay on in the event of Slot being relieved of his duties.
The set-piece coach has assistant manager experience with Wolfsburg and Monaco and, unlike Hulshoff, for example, is not especially tied to Slot.
Van Bronckhorst has also managed a handful of teams and although he is more likely to depart, it is not a given that he would.
However, Page feels the most likely candidate, and although he would hopefully not have to be in charge of many games, he could at least bridge the gap until a new man is found.
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